The amazing versatile pumpkin, a true super food
If you’ve been reading this blog for the past couple of weeks, you know I’m obsessed with pumpkin in all its forms, so I was surprised and delighted when I read my fellow bloggers’ fall bucket lists and saw how many of them had pumpkin-related items on their lists. Of course, pumpkin is the ultimate super food, so I don’t know why I was surprised.
What other vegetable can be enjoyed in so many forms? Baked, steamed, or fried, of course, but also in soups, muffins, cookies, casseroles, pies, smoothies, soufflés, pancakes, lattes, raviolis, cheesecakes, stuffings, and more. And don’t forget the seeds; they’re crunchy and delicious roasted with a little salt.
Not hungry? You can also use pumpkin for colorful fall decor, a vitamin-rich face mask, luxurious body butter, or fall-scented potpourri.
But back to eating, pumpkin not only tastes good, but it’s nutritious too:
- Pumpkin feels you up without feeling you out. It is low in calories and high in fiber. There are seven grams of fiber in a cup of canned pumpkin—more than what you’ll get in two slices of most whole-grain bread. All this for only 30 calories. (Sadly, the calories go up substantially when you mix in fat and sugar.)
- Pumpkin is good for your eyes. It contains Vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin, antioxidants that are thought to help prevent cataracts and may even slow the development of macular degeneration.
- Pumpkin boosts your immune system. In addition to Vitamin A, pumpkin has lots of Vitamin C, which together may help you fight off those pesky colds and other seasonal bugs.
Is there anything the amazing versatile pumpkin can’t do? It really is the ultimate super food!
Your turn
- What is your favorite way to eat (or drink) pumpkin?
- Have you used pumpkins in non-food ways? How?
- Where do you get your pumpkins–the store or a pumpkin patch? Or perhaps you grow your own?
I love pumpkin specially when it comes to boosting my immune system..
Agreed!
I’ve never had pumpkin that wasn’t in a sweet dessert or drink. I need to broaden my horizons! I do love pumpkin seeds, both homemade and store bought.
I bet you would love pumpkin soup. Once when my kids were little, I made a pumpkin soup that was served out of the pumpkin shell on Halloween. It was fun and tasted good!
I’m one of those weird people who doesn’t like pumpkin pie (which delights my husband since that leaves more for him). I do have very fond memories of my mother baking the pumpkin seeds from what we had scooped out making our Halloween Jack-o’-lanterns. I couldn’t get enough of those salty, crunchy morsels.
I just bought a bag of those salty, crunchy morsels. I don’t have the time (or maybe motivation) to make my own, but they are still delicious! Thanks for checking in Janis!
I’m with you Christie I just love pumpkin!!! I love it steamed, roasted, in soups or dips or in pastas plus the health benefits – what is not to love? Thanks so much for sharing with us at #overthemoon link party and have a great weekend.
Thanks Sue. Happy travels to you! Have so much fun on your Spanish adventure!
I love pumpkin soup, make 2 kinds of pumpkin cookies, pumpkin pancakes, and of course, my biggest weakness, pumpkin scones.
My gratitude for pumpkin extends to my dog. If he ever has stomach or bowel issues, a couple tablespoons in his food makes him all better.
Lastly, my granddaughter Nikolah’s private nickname from me is “Punkin’ Pie.” I wrote her a song when she was 3:
Punkin Pie, Punkin’ Pie!
You’re the apple of my eye!
Punkin’ Pie, Punkin’ Pie,
Kiss me quick or I shall cry!
Punkin’ Pie, Punkin’ Pie,
Grandmama loves you.
Punkin’ Pie, Miss Nikolah
loves her grandmama too! Hey!
Ah, I love your song to little Nikolah, and I had no idea pumpkin was good for a dog’s stomach. Good to know. Thanks Connie!
Great information on the health benefits of pumpkins! I used to take my kids to a pumpkin patch when they were little. Now I just buy one at the grocery store! Thanks for sharing at The Blogger’s Pit Stop! Roseann from http://www.thisautoimmunelife.com
I remember one year, my grandparents grew pumpkins in their garden. It was amazing to me watching them grow. Maybe that’s where my love of pumpkins started. ?
Other than Thanksgiving Desert, I’ve never been much of a pumpkin eater. I don’t dislike it, but somehow I’ve just never gotten into eating it. Thanks to your post, I will definitely give it another try!
I hope you enjoy it, Donna!
I love pumpkin too, but it hasn’t been an easy love to come by. I never knew pumpkin until much later in my life and it didn’t appeal to me the way lemons did. Pumpkin pies just never look as good as lemon pies, but in the meantime I have learned to love this squash more and more. I don’t know if I’d like it feeling me up though……you gave me a great laugh, thanks.
A lemon pie is a beautiful thing. I’m glad your learning to love pumpkin, though; there’s room for both! I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Olivia. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I had no idea that pumpkins were so good for us, WOW! Thank you Christie for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared your post on Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Twitter. Ok, so now to answer your questions:
What is your favorite way to eat (or drink) pumpkin? None, I don’t eat it or drink it
Have you used pumpkins in non-food ways? How? Decorating for fall
Where do you get your pumpkins–the store or a pumpkin patch? Or perhaps you grow your own? A store
Can I assume you don’t like the taste of pumpkin? Lucky they are good for other things like decorating! Thanks as always for your efforts on #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty!
I’ve always loved the taste of pumpkin. I buy the canned puree and it’s always in my cupboard to use in chili, soups, muffins, breads and so on.
I’ve never thought to use it in chili. Great idea Pat.